A flea infestation can mean misery for your cat. It’s not just the irritation and itchiness from flea bites that cats have to contend with. In fact, fleas can lead to serious health conditions.

An allergy to flea saliva can cause flea allergy dermatitis in cats, which means just a few flea bites trigger severe itching and sore skin.

Infected fleas can even transmit diseases when they bite. They can also lead to your cat developing a tapeworm infection if a cat were to ingest an infected flea (which can happen during grooming). And because fleas feed on blood, a severe infestation may even lead to anaemia.

It’s important to remember that the fleas on your cat are only part of the problem. The adult fleas visible on your cat account for around five per cent of all the fleas present in an infestation, the rest are found as eggs, larvae and pupae, hidden from sight in your home. So if you discover fleas on your pet, you may need to treat your home too.

Regular flea prevention will help protect your cat’s health and well-being, as well as helping to protect your home.

Menu section text

Why Advantage®?

Title

Why Advantage®?

USP

Thumbnail

Title

Up to 28 days of protection

Thumbnail

Title

Kills fleas through contact

Thumbnail

Title

Suitable for use in kittens and adult cats

Advantage® for cats is a fast and effective flea treatment

Image

Advantage® for cats is a fast and effective flea treatment

Advantage spot-on flea treatment for cats contains an active ingredient that works fast, and is able to kill fleas through contact.1

Unlike some other treatments available (for example those that come in tablet form), Advantage spot-on flea treatment for cats is applied as drops to the skin. The active ingredient spreads throughout the skin and can kill fleas through contact, so your cat doesn’t have to be bitten in order for the treatment to work.

The formula kills fleas within 24 hours and remains effective for up to three to four weeks.

Part the hair on the pet’s neck at the base of the skull until the skin is visible. Place the tip of the tube on the skin and squeeze firmly several times to empty its contents directly onto the skin.

Menu section text

Advantage® FAQs

Advantage® FAQs

How do I apply Advantage for cats?

The application of Advantage for cats is easy and fuss-free.

Step 1: Use the Advantage product that is suitable for the weight of your cat.

Step 2: Hold the tube in an upright position and twist and pull the cap to remove it. Use the reversed cap to twist and remove the seal from the tube.

Step 3: The spot-on treatment needs to be applied to the back of your cat’s neck at the base of the skull, so that your cat can’t reach to lick it off. Part your cat’s fur at the base of the skull until the skin is visible.

Step 4: Place the tip of the tube on the skin and squeeze it firmly several times to empty the contents directly onto the skin. From this application site, the treatment will then spread throughout the rest of your pet’s skin for full protection.

Step 5: Record treatment date and repeat monthly.

It’s important that you don’t apply the treatment to damaged skin and don’t allow recently treated animals to groom each other. If you’re unsure how to apply Advantage spot-on treatment for cats refer to the product information included in the pack or contact your vet.

How does my cat get fleas?

Even the cleanest cat can get fleas and there are various ways they can catch them:

Wild animals including foxes, hedgehogs and squirrels carry fleas, so when they visit your garden they can transfer them to your cat.

Fleas can be passed on from other infested cats and dogs your cat comes into contact with whilst roaming the neighbourhood.

The same goes for other pets in your home, so make sure you keep all pets protected with a flea treatment.

And if you come into contact with fleas yourself, you might become the culprit who carries them into your home and onto your cat.

What is the difference between Advantage spot-on and oral flea products?

With oral flea treatments, where the active ingredient is present in the bloodstream, fleas must bite and feed in order to be killed. Advantage for cats is a spot-on treatment that is applied to the skin, and is able to kill fleas through contact – it does not require fleas to bite.1

How often should I use Advantage to protect my cat from fleas?

It’s recommended that Advantage spot-on treatment is re-applied once a month all year round to protect your cat against fleas.

How long does Advantage for cats last?

It kills fleas within 24 hours of treatment and remains effective for up to three to four weeks.

Re-treatment may be necessary depending on the scale of the infestation but never treat your cat more frequently than once weekly.

Can I use Advantage on my kitten?

Advantage can be used on kittens providing they are weaned and at least eight weeks old.

Which Advantage spot-on product is right for my cat?

You will need to buy the treatment which is suitable for your cat’s weight:

What is included with each pack of Advantage?

Each pack of Advantage for cats contains four single use pipettes; each pipette protects against fleas for up to three to four weeks, so a pack gives up to four months’ protection in total.

What is the active ingredient in Advantage?

Advantage contains the active ingredient imidacloprid. Imidacloprid is able to kill fleas through contact; meaning they do not have to bite your pet to be killed.1 It also kills flea larvae in your home.

How long should I wait to bath my cat after applying Advantage?

It’s recommended that you wait at least two days after applying Advantage before bathing your pet. After this time, Advantage remains effective if your cat should become wet. However occasionally re-treatment is necessary depending on the level of fleas in the environment, in these cases don’t re-treat more frequently than once weekly.

How long should I wait to apply Advantage after bathing my cat?

Ideally, you should wait at least two days after bathing your cat to apply Advantage for cats.

Can I use Advantage if my cat is on medication?

Always consult your vet before using Advantage if your cat is already taking other medication.

Can I use Advantage on a pregnant or lactating cat?

Speak to your vet before using the product in pregnant or lactating cats.

My cat is strictly an indoor cat. Do I still need to use Advantage?

Parasites can get into your home without being invited, which means indoor cats aren’t immune from catching fleas.

Fleas can enter your home through many means, including on your clothing, on other pets and on rodents which may have also broken into your home. These fleas can then easily be passed to indoor cats causing an infestation in your home.

I’ve only seen a couple of fleas on my cat. Should I still use Advantage?

If you see any fleas on your cat, you’re looking at only around five per cent of the total number that might be in your home.

For every fully-grown flea you see, there will be many more eggs, larvae and pupae hidden away in carpets, bedding and upholstery, soon to hatch into new adult fleas. The best way to reduce the chances of flea infestations in your home is to use flea treatment regularly.

Only one of my pets appears to have fleas. Shall I just treat the infected pet?

It’s important to treat all pets in your household with a suitable flea product. Fleas multiply quickly, so once one pet is infested, it won’t be too long before other pets are bitten too.

Can I split pipettes of Advantage between my cats?

We don’t advise this. Always follow the instructions on the packet carefully and give your cat the correct dosage for her weight to ensure effective treatment. If you’re unsure of how to apply Advantage for cats, contact your vet.

Do I need a prescription from my vet to buy Advantage?

Advantage for cats is a non-prescription treatment, so you can purchase it from your local pet shops, online and at the pharmacy.

Are there any possible side effects of Advantage for cats?

As with any medication, side effects are possible. On rare occasions, skin reactions such as hair loss, redness, itching and skin lesions can occur. See the package leaflet for full information on side effects, and always speak to your vet if you have any concerns about your pet.

Can Advantage be used to treat Flea Allergy Dermatitis?

Some cats are hypersensitive to flea saliva, which causes an allergic reaction which leads to a skin condition called Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD).

This can be highly uncomfortable for cats, causing them to compulsively scratch their irritated skin, often leading to hair loss and skin lesions.

Advantage spot-on flea treatment can be used as part of a treatment strategy for Flea Allergy Dermatitis, where this has previously been diagnosed by a veterinary surgeon. The active ingredient in Advantage is able to kill fleas through contact, meaning they don’t have to bite your cat in order to be killed.1

What is the expiration date for Advantage for cats?

See the Advantage pack for the expiry date and product information.

How should I treat my home for fleas?

If your cat does catch fleas, your home can quickly become infested, as fleas lay eggs on your pet, which fall off into your home. The eggs hatch into larvae, which develop into pupae, from which new adult fleas emerge ready to bite your pet. These eggs, larvae and pupae will be present in carpets, bedding and upholstery, all around your home.

When a flea infestation has broken out in your home it’s important to act quickly. Ensure you wash animal bedding regularly and hoover your carpets and floors to kill fleas at every stage of their life cycle.

A veterinary approved household flea spray may also help with flea control.